Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Hope is a Good Thing!

Yesterday morning, my husband started our day with, "Well, it's 8:00 a.m. on the East Coast. Should we turn on the TV and see if they've called it?"

I laughed. His comment symbolizes the cynicsm we both share for politics.

But this year, being a divided couple - one Democrat and one Republican, we have shared some serious discussions about our country and its future. We have always agreed on the bottom line. No matter who wins, God is in control of our family and our lives.

Last night, as Obama won, I felt hopeful yet skeptical. My cynicism runs deep. But while watching and listening to his acceptance speech, it occured to me that hope is a good thing. (Remember that line from "The Shawshank Redemption?") Hope calls us to a positive outlook on the future. Hope lines our paths with blossoming flowers, not withering weeds. Hope fills faces with the possibility of success. Hope filled the screen last night as I saw African Americans crying for joy and Americans of all backgrounds shouting in happiness.

Hope is good.

But misplaced hope crumbles and never satisfies over the long run. So although I feel hopeful in our new phase of government, I season that hope with my heart felt cynicism. The mixture creates realistic optimism. My ultimate hope cannot be in Barack Obama. If it is, disappointment is inevitable. My hope lies securely in God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and God the Son Jesus.

Because of my hope in THE ultimate rulers, peace is mine.

Today I begin praying regularly for the presidency of Barack Obama. I pray that he will submit to God as he leads.

This morning on Twitter, Max Lucado cited Proverbs 21:1 -"The Lord can control a king's mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases."

Amen.

I hope for change that is beneficial and fruitful for our country. I hope for a time when we won't be at war. I hope for an upturn in the financial woes so many are facing.

I hope.

Most of all, I hope that God will be merciful to our country and that we, as individuals and as a nation, will bow our knees to the authority of Him.